Southern Oregon University
Director of Advising and Orientation
Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon, United States, 97520
POSITION SUMMARY:
Date application must be received for priority consideration by: May 14, 2025 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: July 1, 2025 Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled: Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional Division/Department: Academic and Student Affairs/Advising and Orientation Compensation Range (commensurate with experience): $4,827.05-$5,548.33 monthly or $57,924.60-$66,580 annually @ 1.0 FTE FLSA Status: Exempt Appointment Basis: 12-month Time Type: Full-time Benefits Eligible: Yes Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration/Temporary: Renewable This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License: Yes This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes Work Location Type: On-campus Work Hours: M-F (8:00a - 5:00p) Hours are subject to change with notice, some weekend and after hours Worker Status: Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:
Each applicant is required to provide (as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) a letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; and (2) current resume/CV. - PLEASE NOTE - during the application process, you will be prompted to attach these documents in the area titled "Resume." Please either combine ALL documents into ONE attachment, OR upload each item separately in this section. Failure to upload ALL of the required documents may disqualify application from consideration. For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or by phone at (541)552-8553. To view SOU's very generous benefits and pension programs available to eligible positions, please visit https://inside.sou.edu/assets/hrs/Benefits/Benefit_Flyer/2024_Prospective_Candidate_Benefit_Overview_012024.pdf. Our benefits package is an important complement to the offered salary and our Total Compensation Calculator, https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/comp-calc.html, demonstrates our value and commitment to our employees. POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Advising and Orientation at Southern Oregon University (SOU) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for programs and services that support the successful transition, retention, and academic success of new, transfer, and first-year students. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS), the Director serves as a key member of the AVP/DOS leadership team, contributing to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance student success and retention outcomes. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive orientation programs and first-year advising services that foster student belonging, engagement, and academic achievement. The Director will collaborate across campus departments, including Academic Affairs, Enrollment Services, and Student Affairs to create a seamless, student-centered experience that aligns with the university's mission and commitment to every student thriving. The Director will oversee the coordination of all onboarding events and initiatives, including pre-orientation communications, orientation sessions (summer and fall), academic advising and registration processes, Week of Welcome, and first-year engagement activities. A key priority is the integration of orientation with new student advising and academic success initiatives to ensure new students are informed, prepared, and connected to university resources. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, adaptable, and passionate about serving students and families in a constantly evolving higher education environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on students' academic journeys while shaping the future of first-year success at SOU. Minimum Requirements
Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Public Administration, or related field. Five years of progressively responsible experience in Academic advising, student orientation, transition, retention programs, or related fields in higher education. Demonstrated success in personnel (professional or paraprofessional) supervision, fiscal management, and program administration. Experience planning and executing events Preferred Requirements
Experience with Banner and/or DegreeWorks Experience with one or more of the following platforms: EAB Navigate360, Workday Student, and Nuventive (assessment tool). Experience leading orientation or first-year advising programs. Knowledge of student retention and success best practices. Experience with data collection, assessment, and analysis to inform program improvement. Essential Functions
Duties - The following examples are typical work activities that are meant to illustrate the general range of work functions and are not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive: (40%) Advising Oversee a holistic first-year and new transfer student advising model that supports students' academic, personal, and social transition to SOU. Supervise and support professional advisors (Student Success Coordinators) who provide direct services to first-year students. Develop advising curriculum and resources that help students explore academic pathways, set goals, and connect to campus resources. Ensure that first-year advising practices are inclusive, equity-minded, and responsive to the needs of diverse student populations. Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and Student Success Coordinators to provide seamless advising experiences for students. Implement advising assessment tools to measure student learning outcomes, satisfaction, and retention rates. Offer faculty advisor training to ensure consistent and accurate academic advising practices. (35%) New Student Orientation Oversee the design, implementation, and execution of comprehensive orientation programs (summer, Fall and mid-year) across multiple formats (in-person and online) to foster student belonging, academic preparedness, and connection to SOU's community and resources. Collaborate with campus partners, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment Services to align orientation with institutional priorities. Develop and implement assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of orientation programs and ensure continuous improvement. Oversee the coordination of all onboarding events and initiatives, including pre-orientation communications, orientation sessions, advising and registration processes, welcome weekend, and first-year engagement activities. Create accessible and inclusive orientation materials to support diverse student populations (20%) Leadership and Administration Develop and manage the department's budget, including funding for orientation programs, and advising services. Serve as a key leader in SOU's student retention and success initiatives. Chair or participate in university committees related to student success, retention, and transition. Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, and advising guides to support faculty advisors Foster partnerships with external organizations to support student transition and retention efforts. Engage in ongoing professional development and maintain current knowledge of best practices in orientation, advising, and student success. Develop and implement communication plans to effectively engage students, families, and campus partners. Coordinate & Chair the advising committee made up of Advisors & Coordinators from Trio Programs, Veterans Resource Center, Care Coordinators, Disability Resource Coordinators, Bridge, University Seminar, and Student Success Coordinators to ensure consistent information is being shared with all advisors supporting students in their academic progress. Maintain relationships with Academic Program Chairs & Deans to ensure academic pathway updates are communicated to all Student Success Coordinators and the Advising Committee (5%) Other duties as assigned Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations. Demonstrated ability to interpret and consistently apply a wide variety of complex policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not always exist. Expressed ability to work with frequent changes in policies and procedures, under pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to proactively assess work operations and anticipate potential problems; ability
Date application must be received for priority consideration by: May 14, 2025 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: July 1, 2025 Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled: Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional Division/Department: Academic and Student Affairs/Advising and Orientation Compensation Range (commensurate with experience): $4,827.05-$5,548.33 monthly or $57,924.60-$66,580 annually @ 1.0 FTE FLSA Status: Exempt Appointment Basis: 12-month Time Type: Full-time Benefits Eligible: Yes Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration/Temporary: Renewable This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License: Yes This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes Work Location Type: On-campus Work Hours: M-F (8:00a - 5:00p) Hours are subject to change with notice, some weekend and after hours Worker Status: Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:
Each applicant is required to provide (as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) a letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; and (2) current resume/CV. - PLEASE NOTE - during the application process, you will be prompted to attach these documents in the area titled "Resume." Please either combine ALL documents into ONE attachment, OR upload each item separately in this section. Failure to upload ALL of the required documents may disqualify application from consideration. For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or by phone at (541)552-8553. To view SOU's very generous benefits and pension programs available to eligible positions, please visit https://inside.sou.edu/assets/hrs/Benefits/Benefit_Flyer/2024_Prospective_Candidate_Benefit_Overview_012024.pdf. Our benefits package is an important complement to the offered salary and our Total Compensation Calculator, https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/comp-calc.html, demonstrates our value and commitment to our employees. POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Advising and Orientation at Southern Oregon University (SOU) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for programs and services that support the successful transition, retention, and academic success of new, transfer, and first-year students. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS), the Director serves as a key member of the AVP/DOS leadership team, contributing to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance student success and retention outcomes. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive orientation programs and first-year advising services that foster student belonging, engagement, and academic achievement. The Director will collaborate across campus departments, including Academic Affairs, Enrollment Services, and Student Affairs to create a seamless, student-centered experience that aligns with the university's mission and commitment to every student thriving. The Director will oversee the coordination of all onboarding events and initiatives, including pre-orientation communications, orientation sessions (summer and fall), academic advising and registration processes, Week of Welcome, and first-year engagement activities. A key priority is the integration of orientation with new student advising and academic success initiatives to ensure new students are informed, prepared, and connected to university resources. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, adaptable, and passionate about serving students and families in a constantly evolving higher education environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on students' academic journeys while shaping the future of first-year success at SOU. Minimum Requirements
Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Public Administration, or related field. Five years of progressively responsible experience in Academic advising, student orientation, transition, retention programs, or related fields in higher education. Demonstrated success in personnel (professional or paraprofessional) supervision, fiscal management, and program administration. Experience planning and executing events Preferred Requirements
Experience with Banner and/or DegreeWorks Experience with one or more of the following platforms: EAB Navigate360, Workday Student, and Nuventive (assessment tool). Experience leading orientation or first-year advising programs. Knowledge of student retention and success best practices. Experience with data collection, assessment, and analysis to inform program improvement. Essential Functions
Duties - The following examples are typical work activities that are meant to illustrate the general range of work functions and are not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive: (40%) Advising Oversee a holistic first-year and new transfer student advising model that supports students' academic, personal, and social transition to SOU. Supervise and support professional advisors (Student Success Coordinators) who provide direct services to first-year students. Develop advising curriculum and resources that help students explore academic pathways, set goals, and connect to campus resources. Ensure that first-year advising practices are inclusive, equity-minded, and responsive to the needs of diverse student populations. Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and Student Success Coordinators to provide seamless advising experiences for students. Implement advising assessment tools to measure student learning outcomes, satisfaction, and retention rates. Offer faculty advisor training to ensure consistent and accurate academic advising practices. (35%) New Student Orientation Oversee the design, implementation, and execution of comprehensive orientation programs (summer, Fall and mid-year) across multiple formats (in-person and online) to foster student belonging, academic preparedness, and connection to SOU's community and resources. Collaborate with campus partners, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment Services to align orientation with institutional priorities. Develop and implement assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of orientation programs and ensure continuous improvement. Oversee the coordination of all onboarding events and initiatives, including pre-orientation communications, orientation sessions, advising and registration processes, welcome weekend, and first-year engagement activities. Create accessible and inclusive orientation materials to support diverse student populations (20%) Leadership and Administration Develop and manage the department's budget, including funding for orientation programs, and advising services. Serve as a key leader in SOU's student retention and success initiatives. Chair or participate in university committees related to student success, retention, and transition. Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, and advising guides to support faculty advisors Foster partnerships with external organizations to support student transition and retention efforts. Engage in ongoing professional development and maintain current knowledge of best practices in orientation, advising, and student success. Develop and implement communication plans to effectively engage students, families, and campus partners. Coordinate & Chair the advising committee made up of Advisors & Coordinators from Trio Programs, Veterans Resource Center, Care Coordinators, Disability Resource Coordinators, Bridge, University Seminar, and Student Success Coordinators to ensure consistent information is being shared with all advisors supporting students in their academic progress. Maintain relationships with Academic Program Chairs & Deans to ensure academic pathway updates are communicated to all Student Success Coordinators and the Advising Committee (5%) Other duties as assigned Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations. Demonstrated ability to interpret and consistently apply a wide variety of complex policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not always exist. Expressed ability to work with frequent changes in policies and procedures, under pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to proactively assess work operations and anticipate potential problems; ability